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Tree Hunting Traditions

I don’t know about you, but as soon as Halloween is over, I start getting anxious for Christmas. I know the holiday season can be a headache for many… worries about getting all our gifts bought and wrapped on time take up most of our thoughts, and all we seem to do is shop shop shop. Last minute deals pop up everywhere, our mailboxes become filled with holiday flyers, and television ad’s promote the latest techy device that we just ‘have’ to have. I try not to let these thoughts get to me. We need to focus on what’s really important. The Christmas holiday means many things to different people, but to me it has always been a time to celebrate traditions, spend time with our families and spread joy to those around us.

My family tree hunting in 2011. Photo Courtesy of Diane Veltum.

I have fond memories of family get togethers at Christmas time, decorating our homes, baking cookies and fudge, discussing who’s making what for Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas dinner, and Boxing Day dinner, because of course we will be spending those three solid days together, and in my family food always takes a primary role. Over the years, our family has spread out across the province, lost members, gained members, and altered our traditions somewhat, but despite the distance, we always come together to celebrate the holiday that means so much to each one of us.

Photo Courtesy of Churchland Tree Farm

One of my favourite memories of the holiday season as a child was the search for the perfect Christmas tree. In that day I lived up north where there were no Christmas tree farms. We were however, surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine pine, spruce and fir tree forests which provided thousands of options for us. We would go out every year with our Aunts and Uncles, pick-up trucks, saws, hot chocolate and of course covered head to toe in winter parkas, toques, gloves, and Sorel boots which enabled us to trudge through the often waist deep snow in order to pick the perfect tree. As I remember these times, it seems that I remember less and less how incredibly cold my toes were, and more and more how much I enjoyed romping around with my cousins and our dog. My Aunt never could decide on which tree would look best in her family room, which made it a full day outing, and the warming up back home with our tree out on the back deck drying off was so comforting.

Photo Courtesy of Churchland Tree Farm

In Langley we are so fortunate to have such a large number of local farms that grow trees especially for us to adorn with handmade ornaments, sprinkle with tinsel, and illuminate with hundreds of tiny lights. Many of these farms provide hot chocolate to warm our insides, campfires to warm our outsides, and holiday treats and activities to enjoy with our families. It is such a special time to start new traditions, carry on old ones, and spend time with those we love. I can’t wait until I can begin the tradition of searching for and cutting down a Christmas tree with my own family. For those of you who don’t already partake in this seasonal tradition, below is a list of the many farms in the community in which you can start your own.